For some of you, the report card will be validation for all the hard work you’ve put into your school work. When your parents see that vowel-heavy set of marks, showing your achievement in the arts, sciences, math, English, what have you, well, that will make it all worth it, won’t it?

But for some of you, that report card day is the darkest day of the year. It’s a sword of Damocles hanging over your head, the moment when all your shortcomings are laid bare for your parents to heap scorn upon. It gnaws its way through your gut with each passing day until it arrives.

But here’s the thing. Your report card isn’t the end all be all. It’s just a report card. It’s a way for your teachers to share areas where you need to improve, subjects you need to focus on, and behaviors you need to adjust. That’s all. If your marks hover closer in the D and F category, it doesn’t mean you’re stupid.

You’re only really stupid if you don’t seize this opportunity to have your work cut out for you in clear black and white.

Because not to burst your bubble, but life doesn’t give report cards.

We, that is to say grownups, don’t get periodic assessments of our moral fiber, achievements and accomplishments. Most of the adults you meet, we’re making it up as we go along. Sure, we have some vague notion that maybe we should work on our golf game, spend more time with family, put in a few more hours at work, but no one ever spells it out for us.